A Guest Post by Emily Scott
Heading somewhere new and exciting is a great way for kids to learn about the world around them. At a time when the world is growing smaller from a social perspective, it’s important for kids to gain an appreciation of foreign culture.
Children can learn a lot more when they’re actively engaging in something in a foreign culture.
Let’s take a look at a handful of trips which could help a little one to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the wider world.
- 1. Go On A Safari
Taking off on a safari holiday is an amazing way of experiencing something totally unique and foreign to a child’s lifestyle. It’s very unlikely they’ll be coming face-to-face with exotic creatures during their day-to-day lives – or the extreme climates of Africa. This type of excursion could prove a cultural eye-opener.South Africa is one of the most popular destinations for anyone looking to get involved with this type of trip. The African nation has no shortage of safari tours, many of which are tailored perfectly to young families.
- 2. Try Camel Riding
- What could be more exciting than riding a camel across the Dubai desert? With the creation of a nature reserve in the area back in 1993, travellers have been able to immerse themselves in the ways of Arabian nomads for a short while.It’s not just camel rides on show here, with scores of wild birds and different types of trees all on show to provide holidaymakers with a true taste of old Dubai life. In a city where corporations have taken over somewhat, this taste of the traditional UAE is something which is hard to pass up.
- 3. Take Up Cycling
- This is a particularly popular pastime throughout Europe, where cycling has become prevalent amongst inhabitants of large cities. This no truer than in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, where, as ECF point out, as many as 35% of people own and use a bike.As well as getting about more quickly, this type of adventure allows you to live as closely to a local as possible. Families can either take to the main streets of major cities, or traverse their way through backroads to find hidden gems.Top tip: If you’re going away with the family and are also expecting a baby, stick to walking (and check out this guide if you need to know more about pregnancy and travel). You could also travel on one of the city’s harbour buses – kids will love the novelty and it’s safer for you.
- 4. Eat Local Food
- Rather than sticking to what you know from a culinary perspective, think about expanding your repertoire and trying local delicacies. Whether this is from a restaurant, food stall or even something you’ve cooked yourself, it will serve to give your kids a (literal) taste of somewhere new.Do your research beforehand and find out what kinds of foods are considered local for the area you’re headed to. Arriving with this kind of knowledge will help you dive in at the deep end.
- 5. Have Fun At A Festival
You’ll find a myriad of cultural celebrations and festivals dotted throughout the world at all times of the year. These occasions are often family-friendly (always remember to check first) and provide people with a taste of tradition in a foreign land. While these sometimes won’t be very relevant to contemporary life, they provide a glimpse at the history of a nation or region.
You might also enjoy reading:
5 Tips For Traveling Abroad With Kids
5 Things To Know About Using Money Abroad
Emmy is a freelance travel writer residing in the UK, juggling looking after her 5 and 2-year-old boys with her writing. With her work spanning from how to look after your family to travelling with them, she writes from experience to provide authentic and useful tips to parents across the world.
Have these ideas given you some inspiration when it comes to getting your kids involved with foreign culture? Let us know in the comments.
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